More Budget Downtown Vegas Hotels

Cheap Hotels in Las Vegas For Those on a Tight Budget

Dec 23, 2007

Fremont Hotel on Fremont Street., Michelle Snow

A look at seven more downtown hotels to consider when planning a trip to Las Vegas on a budget.

In a previous article, we looked at the best of the budget-friendly downtown Las Vegas hotels. But if you can't find room at the inn, or need something even cheaper, where do you look?

Try these downtown hotels, but beware, many are older, in need of maintenance or even in a slightly dangerous area (all of which are noted). So it's up to you if the price trade-off is worth dealing with the cons of each hotel in this list.

California – This older hotel sits a block off Fremont, and is home to the famous $6.99 prime rib special. The hotel itself, though, is a bit worn and the rooms are small. It’s honestly worth it to check out the hotel’s nearby sister property Main Street Station first, but this property is an ok choice if price is the primary concern. Book online to save up to 20% off normal rates. (Average Rates: $35-$60)

El Cortez – Located a few blocks east of the Fremont Street Experience, the El Cortez is currently in the middle of a multi-million dollar renovation, which will include room makeovers and a new front entrance plaza area. In the meantime, the hotel is showing its age but you can still find a clean room with decent gambling and free parking. You’ll also be situated in the new Fremont East District, which has great club and bar selection, including the Beauty Bar, The Griffin and the Hennessey. Downside is that, being an older hotel, many of the rooms are small and have been used by smokers for many years. If you want a room that is a bit nicer and possibly smoke-free, ask for a tower room. There is free parking in the attached garage, but there is no pool. Food options are average…you’re best off leaving the hotel for nearby establishments. The only safety warning I would give is that since the Fremont East District is still being renovated from its seedy past, this hotel would not be good for solo female travelers. Those traveling in pairs or groups should have no problems, especially with security around the hotel. (Average Rates: $35-$60)

Fremont – It has a prime location in the middle of the Fremont Street Experience, but compared to neighboring hotels, this property is a bit lacking. Very small rooms, service is very uneven (especially from housekeeping) and there aren’t many amenities offered. But it is cheap, with occasional rates of around $30, which combined with the location could make it worth checking out for your next trip. (Average Rates: $40-$70)

Gold Spike – When you hear the term “Vegas Dive” this is it. Really old, worn down and two blocks off Fremont, not in a safe neighborhood, this hotel is for the truly desperate budget traveler. The Gold Spike was bought out by a developer in the summer of 2007 with plans to turn it into luxury boutique hotel. Until then, it is possible to nab a room for under $20 a night, but you might want to pay a little more to stay elsewhere. (Average Rates: $25-$60)

Golden Gate – Built in 1906, this is one of the oldest hotels in Vegas, and it’s really showing it. Expect very small rooms, various levels of cleanliness and a no-frills experience. But it is possible to nab a room for under $30 at times, and the location can’t be beat. It’s also home to the legendary 99 cent shrimp cocktail. (Average Rates: $40-$70)

The Plaza -- This hotel sits at the very western edge of the Fremont Street Experience, anchoring the attraction. Its rooms are older and a bit smaller than most of the others on this list, but they are usually clean and you can often find them for $30 or less. The Greyhound bus station also sits on the bottom level of this property, which makes it a great location for those traveling via bus, but it can also be a little unsafe at night for solo female travelers. Those traveling in pairs or groups should have no problems. This is a hotel to consider if price is your primary concern, just don’t expect a lot for the price. (Average Rates: $29-$59)

Vegas Club – When talking about Vintage Vegas, this is it. The V.C. is an older hotel offering small rooms in various states of cleanliness and needing repair at the very western edge of the Fremont Street Experience, next to the Plaza. Nothing about the hotel really stands out, and rates have climbed in the past year or so, but it is still possible to grab an under-$30 a night rate. (Average Rates: $45-$60)

Yes, there are even more hotels in the downtown area, but they are not ones you'd want to consider under any circumstances. Many offer shabby, extremely unsafe accommodations and are simply not worth the low prices.

So, have you stayed in any of the above hotels? Let us know what you thought of them on our discussion boards.

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